Weighing
less than 18 ounces, this super-light, ultra-compact marvel boasts one
of the world’s smallest camera bodies yet houses an impressive array of
features for astonishing image clarity and performance.

A 6.1 megapixel CCD with advanced processing technology for high-definition
images rich in gradation and saturation. Interchangeability with a wide
selection of existing PENTAX lenses for convenience and versatility. An
11-point autofocus with SAFOX VIII for quick and accurate focus. And a
host of user-friendly features including a high-magnification viewfinder,
a large two-inch LCD monitor and data panel, and an innovative Auto Picture
mode for fast and effortless operation. All packed into an attractive,
sturdy casing. The perfect blend of portability and performance, the *ist
DS is the ideal traveling companion for beginners and advanced photographers
of every level

Quality Features

Capture high-definition, maximum-gradation
images with a large 6.1 megapixel CCD. Coupled with original image processing
technology from PENTAX, the camera produces high-definition images rich
in gradation and saturation.

Enjoy outstanding portability and maneuverability
in a wide variety of photographic applications. As one of the world's smallest,
lightest digital SLRs, the *ist DS features a high-rigidity stainless-steel
chassis and a super-compact, ultra-lightweight body. PENTAX downsized digital
SLR technology by including multi-layered electronic circuit boards and
high-density packaging. The result is a camera that measures a mere 4.9
x 3.6 x 2.6 inches and weighs less than 18 ounces without batteries and
SD memory card.

Enjoy an easy-to-use and accessible
operation system. From the multi-function four-way controller to the responsive
electronic select dial and the large, easy-to-use mode dial, all switches
and dials are efficiently and functionally laid out around the camera's
compact body to assure smooth, fingertip control.

Use your existing PENTAX 35mm lenses
and accessories. The *ist DS offers the outstanding benefit of lens
interchangeability that allows users to take advantage of a wide selection
of existing PENTAX interchangeable lenses. (PENTAX K-, KA-,
KAF- and KAF2-mount 35mm-format lenses can be used
without an adapter or modification. PENTAX screw-mount 35mm-format lenses
and PENTAX 645- and 67-system lenses can be used with an adapter. Some
functions may not be available with certain lenses.)

Get a super-clear view of the subject
with the bright, high-precision viewfinder with superimposed AF-point display.
The *ist DS comes equipped with a glass pentaprism viewfinder offering
a 95% field of view and a 0.95X magnification.

View just-recorded images quickly and
effortlessly with the high-precision, color 2.0-inch LCD image monitor
and multi-data panel. With approximately 210,000 pixels, the monitor features
a large, easy-to-read LCD data panel on the top panel to allow easy, at-a-glance
confirmation of the camera's operational status and various settings.

Performance Features

Focus with accuracy and precision with
11-point autofocus with SAFOX VIII. The *ist DS features the sophisticated
SAFOX VIII AF system incorporating 11 AF sensors (nine of them constituting
a cross-type wide-area sensor grid in the middle) for accurate, pinpoint
autofocusing. The selected AF sensor point is highlighted in red in the
viewfinder for easy visual confirmation. The user can also select one of
the sensors to accommodate a specific image composition.

Solve even the most complicated lighting
conditions efficiently and instantly with a sophisticated 16-segment multi-pattern
metering system. Spot and Center-weighted metering modes are also
available to accommodate specialized applications.

Freeze the decisive moment of the subject's
action or motion with a top shutter speed of 1/4000 second and a top synchronization
speed of 1/180 second.

Enjoy user-friendly automatic operations.
The *ist DS is equipped to make camera operations simple and effortless
for the user. Its innovative Auto picture mode automatically and instantly
selects the optimum combination of exposure settings for a given subject
or situation, including shutter speed, aperture, white balance, saturation,
contrast, and intensity of edges. The built-in auto flash automatically
pops up in dimly lit or backlit situations.

Enjoy the versatility of dual power
sources. The *ist DS can operate from four AA-sized batteries or
two CR-V3 Lithium batteries. An AC adapter is also available.

Record and store more images with SD
memory card compatibility: The *ist DS uses the widely available
SD memory card as its storage media, not only assuring high-speed recording
and readout of image data, but also contributing to the downsizing of the
camera body.

Capture a series of the subject's action
or movement. The *ist DS records up to 8 images consecutively at
a speed of approximately 2.8 frames per second for high-speed consecutive
shooting.

Effortlessly upload data to a PC using
the included USB cable (USB 2.0 compatible)

Choose from 18 user-adjustable custom
functions to preprogram important camera functions to suit individual preferences.
The user-selected function is clearly displayed on the LCD image monitor
for at-a-glance confirmation.

Choose from two recording formats:
compressed JPEG and uncompressed RAW. The user can select one of three
file sizes: 3008x2008, 2400x1600, and 1536x1024; and one of three image
quality levels: good, better, and best. PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 2.0 RAW-data
processing software and PENTAX PHOTO Browser 2.0 browser software are included.

Connect the *ist DS directly
to your printer for complete control over printing and editing. PictBridge
compatibility allows the camera to be connected to a PictBridge-supported
printer directly via USB cable.

Capture three different exposures of
the same subject — proper, under- and over-exposure — with a single shutter
release with the Auto bracketing mode. Users have a choice of two exposure
ranges: ±1.0 EV in 1/3 EV increments and ±1.5 EV in 1/2 EV
increments.

Shed light on
your subject and reduce red-eye. The built-in auto flash automatically
discharges in the dark and against backlight to provide supplemental illumination
on the subject. Its Red-eye reduction function helps the photographer avoid
the annoying red-eye effect in the subject's eyes in flash portraits.*
The flash can be activated or turned off manually to create specific visual
effects or to comply with flash restrictions. (*This feature does not eliminate
red eyes in all instances.)